We know that stress can harm us, but we may not fully understand how. Kate Boston, a registered dietician/nutritionist and owner of Cultivate Your Plate, says that when we first experience stress, our bodies are flooded with adrenaline. But when our stress remains high, the stress hormone cortisol takes over. “When our stress is elevated, [cortisol] causes our bodies to pull more glucose into our bloodstream for energy. Your body can only do so much with that glucose. Over time, chronic elevated cortisol levels can cause insulin resistance and diabetes,” she says. Cortisol makes our bodies want immediate energy, which is why we often crave carbohydrates and sugar when we’re feeling overwhelmed with stress.
To help de-stress, make it a priority to get a walk in every day, even if it is just around the block. This can help deal with an elevated cortisol level. From a nutritional standpoint, make sure meals and snacks contain proteins, healthy fats, carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables to help one’s body slow the breakdown of sugars.
By Carrie Vittitoe | Photo by Erika Doll
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